This Fort Worth Home on Harley Avenue Flaunts 1970s Sophistication

I hope that headline was an attention grabber. One tends to remember the ’70s as the decade of laminate walnut paneling, avocado appliances, and shag carpeting. And yet several buildings of distinction got built. Think Skidmore Owings & Merrill’s John Hancock Center in Chicago.

And we needn’t go that far from home. Fort Worth’s own Kimbell Museum was completed in 1972 and is still revered worldwide as one of Louis Kahn’s masterworks.

Low-Key ’70s Chic

Those are rather heady examples for comparison, but in its own low-key way, this nearly 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath house on Harley Avenue does embody some of the best design tendencies of the era.

Take the floor plan. All on one floor, the easy flow between interconnected spaces has an enduring modernity not lacking in its own particular comfortable elegance. The great Westside location a few blocks from River Crest Country Club is an additional draw.

No shag carpet in sight. In its stead is one of the decade’s better design trends — scored polished concrete floors. These provide additional linkage between the multiple living areas and the dining room. And this just in: Suspecting that the 1970s sophistication so skillfully echoed in the decor might be the work of a pro, I texted prime suspect number one, Tina McMackin. Not only did she stunningly stage this place, but she’s also living in it as she sometimes does in some of her more interesting projects.

The residence is, in a sense, introverted. Living areas and dining room envelope a central, open atrium that serves as a sun trap, flooding interiors with light through floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to the atrium, there is a small side porch with a plumbed gas grill.

An additional fillip is a wet bar with a china closet that connects to the kitchen.

The formica countertops may be an unwelcome retro throwback to some, but they are a pleasing cobalt blue and the galley kitchen is fully functional with abundant cabinets providing plenty of storage.

With a mirror at the end, the master closet appears infinite and has the hushed elegance of a couture salon dressing room.

One of the bedrooms is currently being used as an office. But with plenty of closet space and attached bath it could swiftly be reconverted. Alley entry leads to a two car garage.

John McMackin with CLARK REAL ESTATE GROUP has listed 4731 Harley Ave. for $775,000.

*The property is currently under contract, so Tina McMackin — the glam, glitzy, gypsy stylist — will soon be on the move again. Can’t wait to see where she lands next.